One of our test riders actually only wanted to take the new Endurace for a short spin. After all, the characteristics of a road bike become apparent after just a few kilometres: how does it steer, is it comfortable in the saddle, how does it behave at high speeds? But because he was so impressed with the new Canyon in the top version straight away, he spontaneously extended the test ride and cycled round the Ammersee just outside Munich. "Rarely have I had so much fun on a racer!" said his colleague. Whether he was simply in good shape or the Endurace CFR Di2 really did give him a measurable boost: The TOUR test provides the answer.
Storage compartment for breakdown kit
With the CFR and CF SLX, the manufacturer from Koblenz presents two new versions of its best-selling bike. Thanks to aerodynamic borrowings from the Canyon Aeroad and Ultimate models, the duo should be faster, while the patented leaf-spring seatpost provides even more comfort. In addition, the designers have integrated a storage compartment in the top tube for the first time on a road bike, providing space for a puncture repair kit. The two equipment variants thus differ from the more affordable CF and AL models, which underwent a facelift last year (TOUR 3/2022). The fact that a model with the high-end CFR label is now also available in the marathon segment in the online shop shows the intention: Canyon is also pulling out all the stops in this category and positioning the new Endurace CFR as a performance-orientated endurance bike. Until now, only the Aeroad and Ultimate competition bikes were available as CFR versions, which stand out from the other equipment variants in terms of frame quality and choice of components.
Canyon Endurace goes aero!
Almost ten years after its premiere, Canyon has nevertheless left the basic virtues unchanged. The comfort geometry makes the bike fit for long distances, while the carbon seatpost with deep clamping provides fantastic suspension on almost any surface. Thanks to the option of fitting tyres up to 35 millimetres wide, the racer can be transformed into a Allroad bike and does not shy away from rough terrain. What is new is that aero optimisation has now also been introduced to the Koblenz-based company's marathon bikes. According to Canyon, the aero performance has improved by seven watts at 45 km/h compared to its predecessor. The Koblenz-based company did not want to reveal how many watts the rider has to produce in total to overcome the CFR's aerodynamic drag, as TOUR has so far refrained from conducting wind tunnel tests on marathon bikes. The CP0018 cockpit, familiar from the Aeroad and Ultimate, is said to play a major role in the improved aerodynamics. Thanks to the handlebar-stem unit, which can be adjusted in height and width without separating the cables, the head tube has a more filigree shape. In addition, the fork blades are longer and the down tube is slimmer.
Conclusion on the Canyon Endurace CFR Di2 by Julian Schultz, test editor
There are hardly any criticisms of the top model. In terms of frame weight, the CFR doesn't quite reach the fabulous weight of its predecessor (TOUR 3/2017) but is still one of the lightest bikes in its category. The storage compartment in the top tube has a relatively small opening and the plastic cover catches a little. In addition, the neoprene pouch, the so-called "Tool Snake", does not hold just any mini tool. Mudguards cannot be fitted.
The new Endurace CFR Di2 is not only one of the best performing marathon bikes on the market, it also has a price tag of 9499 euros, which is in line with the high performance competition bikes. The heavier SLX versions are available for between 3699 and 5499 euros. According to Canyon, the affordable CF and AL versions will also return to the online shop from the end of October.
Technical data and notes on the Canyon Endurace CFR Di2
Manufacturer information
- Price: 9499 Euro
- Frame sizes**: 3XS, 2XS, XS, S, M (tested size), L, XL, 2XL
Measured values
- Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 1,003/456/37 grams
- Seat/top/head tube: 515/545/166 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR***: 595/376 millimetres/1.58
- Wheelbase/caster: 990/63 millimetres
Equipment
- Drivetrain/gear system: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/160 mm)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)****: DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut 45/Schwalbe Pro One TLE 30/32 mm (front/rear: 1,219/1,580 g)
Measured values & individual grades*****
- Weight of complete bike: 7.3 kilos - 2.3
- Steering head stiffness: 92 Nm/° - 1.7
- Lateral stiffness fork: 52 N/mm¹ - 1.3
- Bottom bracket stiffness: 65 N/mm - 1.0
- Seatpost spring stiffness: 68 N/mm - 1.0
- Spring stiffness fork: 81 N/mm - 3.3
TOUR TEST GRADE: 1.6
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer information Test size bold.
***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach) 1.36 means a very stretched sitting position, 1.60 means an upright sitting position.
**** Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
*****Single notes, which are weighted differently in the overall grade, are only partially printed for reasons of space. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are shown with rounded decimal places.
Manufacturer's specification, cannot be measured in the TOUR laboratory due to the fork design.
Julian Schultz
Editor
